Panthers hold on for win over Swashbucklers

ALBANY, Ga. — As two-time defending champions, the Albany Panthers knew they’d have a target on their back from the season
opener.

No matter their opponent’s previous record, every team in the Professional Indoor Football League would be itching for its
shot to knock them down a peg.

With that said, it was no surprise to
them that the Louisiana Swashbucklers felt the same way; the Bucs jumped
out to an 11-point
lead in the first half, and didn’t seem to miss a beat afterward.
However, the Panthers’ defense made plays when it mattered,
and played a huge role in a 45-42 win.

On the subsequent possession after
taking their first lead on a Trae Ivory touchdown run, Tito Hannah
sacked Chris Mitchell
in the end zone to give the Panthers a 38-34 lead with 6:45 left
in regulation. After retaining possession, the Panthers drove
downfield, milking the clock and icing the game as Cecil Lester plunged in from the goal line with 42 seconds left on the clock.

Despite the first two quarters, each
filled with miscommunication, mental errors, and miscues, the Panthers
got it together
thanks in part to a drive that went the length of the field in
less than 10 seconds. The drive was capped with a Mere Trout
field goal that cut the Swashbucklers’ lead to 21-14 at the break.

However, the Panthers weren’t on their heels for long. Two plays into the second half, Hannah sacked and stripped the ball
from Mitchell, giving the Panthers the ball at the 4-yard line. From there, Lester connected with John Harris to level the
playing field.

But the Bucs’ passing attack had their
sights set on upstaging the home team. Jordan Rideaux and Mitchell
traded blows with
Lester and Harris all night; the visitors connected seven times
for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Harris caught eight passes
for 120 yards and a touchdown. Johnny Lester caught seven passes
for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

Though both passing offenses were effective, the efforts of both teams running backs cannot be understated. The Bucs’ Kenneth
Perry grounded out 37 tough yards and two touchdowns. Trae Ivory added a touchdown of his own.